22 FUN Things to do in Stanley Park, Vancouver

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

Vancouver, British Columbia is famous for all things outdoor-related. It’s a city with outstanding natural beauty in all directions – mountains, forests, beautiful hikes, and the ocean are all accessible quickly. But, Vancouver city is also home to its fair share of green spaces. One of the most popular in Vancouver is Stanley Park.

Stanley Park is not only a popular spot for visitors, though, locals are obsessed with this park too! Stanley Park provides a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver. In minutes you can seemingly disappear from the city and enter another world.

Stanley Park absolutely must make it onto your Vancouver itinerary – whether you visit on your own or with one of the popular Stanley Park tours.

In this blog, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Vancouver’s Stanley Park as well as the 22 best things to do in Stanley Park!

22 Things to do in Stanley Park, Vancouver

1. Bicycle the seawall

Biking the seawall is one of the quintessential Vancouver summer experiences. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon, explore Stanley Park, and see the beautiful views of Vancouver. Even as a Vancouver local, I still bike the seawall a few times per year.

The portion of the seawall that goes around Stanley Park is 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), which takes about an hour to bike. The seawall does extend further than just the park, so it’s possible to ride longer. Stanley Park Seawall has dedicated bike lanes, so it is easy to bypass those who are walking and running. 

The easiest way to bike this route is to book a Stanley Park bike tour! Not only is it a fantastic way to learn about the city from your local guide, but they will also help you navigate and provide your bicycle, helmet, and bike lock. All of the logistics are taken care of you and you can simply enjoy the ride!

During this 3-hour tour, you and your small group will explore all over Stanley Park. Don’t worry, you won’t be biking for 3 hours straight – your guide has scenic stops planned so you can take in your surroundings too! This tour is $103 CAD for a standard bike, or you can upgrade to an e-bike for an additional cost. You can reserve this tour with 24-hour cancellation in advance, here!

If you prefer to adventure on your own, there are many places to rent bikes close to Stanley Park. Spokes Bicycle Rentals is located a few blocks from the start of Stanley Park and has bikes for rent for $8.57 CAD per hour, including helmets, locks, and baskets. They also have half and full-day rentals which are cheaper if you’re going to ride for more than 3 hours.

2. Go on a horse-drawn tour 

Step back in time and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage! These old-fashioned carriages slowly travel throughout the park, giving you an excellent tour of Stanley Park. It’s also a great way to sightsee on a rainy day since the carriage is fully covered. Plus, it’s a pretty romantic thing to do, a horse-drawn carriage through the park – so cute!

You’ll spend 1 hour cruising around Stanley Park in style. It’s also a great way to learn about Vancouver as a tour guide will provide information about both Stanley Park and the city. You’ll pass by a lot of significant highlights and attractions along the way.

Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours operate from March to October. The 1-hour ride costs $76 CAD per adult, and when you book on Viator you can secure your spot in advance and pay later! Check out the details and book this unique Stanley Park experience here.

3. Walk one of the many trails 

Stanley Park has 27 kilometers (17 miles) of hiking trails through the central forested area. It’s perfect for hiking, walking, running, or bicycling. Most of the trails are pretty flat, but some sections can get a bit steep. As you explore the forest, you will see some of the tallest trees in the country!

Hiking through Stanley Park makes you feel like you are genuinely in the middle of nowhere, despite being in the city. I don’t even take a map when I go. Just walk until you get lost! Don’t worry though, Google Maps works in the park and most of the trails are shown there.

If you’re more of a planner, some of my favorite trails are:

Lost Lagoon and Rose Garden Loop: This short but sweet 2.9-kilometer (1.8 miles) track loops around Lost Lagoon and also visits the beautiful rose garden. It’s a great trail in spring and summer and short enough for most.

Stanley Park Inner Loop: If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Stanley Park Inner Loop is a great option. It basically follows the seawall, but instead of hiking along the ocean, you’ll walk through forests and gardens. It’s also shorter at 8 kilometers (5 miles.)

Prospect Point via Bridal Path and Lovers Walk: Prospect Point is one of the most scenic viewpoints with epic views of the mountains and North Vancouver. The best way to get there from the entrance to Stanley Park is via this trail. The trail is 6.8 kilometers (4.2 miles), and travelers through the center of Stanley Park through some of the best forest areas.

If you’re particularly interested in learning about the old-growth forest in Stanley Park, this 3-hour guided walk is a gem! Led by a Vancouver local, get the history and science behind these massive trees (when you see them, you’ll know what I’m talking about!). Trees in this forest are nearly 1,000 years old, and while most of the ancient forest has been logged to build Vancouver, this is the last one that remains!

Honestly, this tour is interesting no matter who you are. If you appreciate the outdoors and huge trees, this will be worth your time. This tour is $75 CAD and meets at Stanley Park. Check out the details and book this amazing guided hike in advance, here!

Related Read: For more hiking options, check out the best easy hikes in Vancouver!

4. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the top BC attractions and has been a mainstay of Stanley Park and the city since 1956, popular with locals and visitors alike. The Aquarium is home to over 65,000 animals and has 30 different exhibits. The exhibits range from animals in the tropics to those in the Arctic, so you can really get a full experience of the natural world. 

The Aquarium is committed to animal rescue, research, and environmental stewardship. In addition, some educational programs help visitors learn more about animals and how to care for them. The aquarium has also put a ban on dolphins and whales, which is great to see!

A visit to the Aquarium costs between $39.95 to $51.95 CAD per adult and between $25.20 to $37.20 CAD per child (depending on the day), you can secure tickets online in advance. The Aquarium is a fantastic place to spend the day and is also one of Vancouver’s best rainy day activities.

The Vancouver Aquarium is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.

5. Eat at the Teahouse

The Teahouse is the premier dining destination in Stanley Park. There are some seriously amazing views from the dining room, providing a beautiful setting to enjoy your meal.

Their menu is full of delicious Canadian and seafood dishes. Some of my favorites include the Lobster Bisque, Brome Lake Duck Confit, Steak, and the Crab and Shrimp Crusted Halibut. Prices aren’t cheap, with most mains costing over $30 CAD, but it’s good value for the quality.

The Teahouse is also open for brunch or cocktails, so it’s a great place to stop in at any time of the day! Brunch is also cheaper, with mains costing under $30 CAD. If you’re like me, you can’t go past a good eggs benedict which they do very well!

The Teahouse is open Monday, Thursday, and Friday for lunch at 11:30, Thursday through Monday for dinner at 4 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 11 am for brunch.

6. Enjoy a day at the beach

Stanley Park has the best of both worlds if you love being outdoors – you can go from dense forest to sandy beach in a matter of minutes! There are two fabulous Vancouver beaches in the park where you can hang out and relax.

Second Beach is a sandy beach with a concession stand and bathroom facilities. It’s not a huge beach, but it has space to lay out and suntan or go for a swim! During the summer, there are lifeguards at Second Beach. 

Third Beach (do you like how creative the names are?) is larger and has the most amazing views of the ocean and West Vancouver!

You might be wondering where First Beach is… It’s officially called English Bay Beach and sits just outside of Stanley Park. It’s also pretty nice and is equipped with volleyball courts, a concession stand and restaurant, bathrooms, and other amenities. It’s a great place for sunset because it faces west.

7. Ride the Stanley Park Train

The Stanley Park Train is a fun, family-friendly activity! Passengers can take a 2-kilometer (1.2 mi) or 15-minute ride on a vintage train through the park. The train winds its way through an area of the park that was cleared by Typhoon Freda, which is considered the worst storm in Vancouver.

In addition, the train has different seasonal events, like the Bright Nights Train during winter in Vancouver with fantastic light displays. Or, the Ghost Train near Halloween with costumes and spooky decorations.

Depending on when you go, tickets are between $7 to $15 CAD.

8. Swim at the outdoor pool

If you’re not crazy about swimming in the ocean (it can be cold), Stanley Park has other options! Second Beach Outdoor Pool is a huge heated pool located close to the beach. It’s 80 meters (262 feet) long and has both a children’s area with waterslides and lengths for swimming laps.

It can get pretty busy here in the summer, and they often require reservations to come swim. I recommend double-checking if this is the case when you plan your visit!

Entrance fees to the pool are $6.99 CAD for adults, $4.89 CAD for youths (13-18), $3.50 for children (5-12) and preschoolers (0-4) swim for free. The pool is open 7 days a week for 3 different session times which are 12 – 2:30 pm, 3 – 5:30 pm, and 6 – 8:30 pm. The pool is also seasonal and opens in late May and closes for the winter in early September.

9. Reserve a picnic area 

If you are with a large group of friends and family, Stanley Park has reserved picnic sites! There are a few different spots throughout the park that you can book ahead of time. These reserved areas have shelters and cooking facilities. It’s the perfect option if you plan on having a party with lots of people.

The cost to reserve these sites ranges from $82 to $217 CAD, depending on the spot you get. There are two time slots available which are 9 am to 2:30 pm or 4 pm to 9:30 pm.

If you’d prefer not to reserve and pay for a spot, you can visit Lumbermens’ Arch Picnic Area, which is free and on a first come first serve basis and has a few picnic tables. Another area is Brockton Point Picnic Area which is popular for picnics. The best area here is to the east of the Totem Poles.

10. Drink at Stanley Park Brewing

A nice cold beer sounds pretty good after a day biking the seawall or hanging out at the beach! Luckily, there is a brewery right in the park! Stanley Park Brewing makes some delicious Westcoast-inspired craft beers. You can stop by the brewpub and tasting room located right at the entrance of Stanley Park to try them out. 

The brewpub is an excellent spot to grab a beer and bite to eat. They have large covered patios in a revitalized heritage building from 1930! It has a casual, fun atmosphere and a great menu of beers and bites to choose from. 

My favorite beers are the Sun Setter Peach Wheat Ale and the Trail Hopper IPA. The Sun Setter is my go-to summer beer and the Trail Hopper warms me up in winter. For food, I love the spicey Ahi Tuna Poke if I’m after something healthy, and the JRG Cheese Burger if I’m after something hearty!

Regardless, there are plenty of beers and pub food to choose from, so it’s a place most will love.

Stanley Park Brewing is open from 11 am to 9 pm Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 10 pm on Friday, 10:30 am to 10 pm on Saturday, and 10:30 am to 9 pm on Sunday.

Related Read: Check out the top brewery tours in Vancouver for even more great local spots for a drink!

11. Check out the Stanley Park Totem Poles

One of Vancouver’s most visited tourist attractions is the First Nations Totem Poles, set at Brockton Point in Stanley Park. There are nine totem poles in total that were brought to the area from Haida Gwaii, on the central coast of BC. The most recent pole was carved by a member of the Squamish Nation and brought to Brockton Point in 2009.

These totem poles are beautiful to look at and all carved from western red cedar and each carving tells of a real or mythical event. There is a lot of information here on the meaning behind each pole which really helps to be able to connect with the history and culture of the First Nations peoples in the region.

Right next to the totem poles is a small little gift shop where you can find indigenous items and souvenirs. This is truly one of the more special things to do in Stanley Park.

Related Read: You can visit Squamish on the beautiful drive from Vancouver to Whistler!

12. Attend an event 

Stanley Park is home to the Malkin Bowl, a large outdoor performance stage that has hosted a ton of notable concerts and performances. Famous Canadian musicians like The Tragically Hip have played at the Malkin Bowl. 

The event space is used for other events besides concerts, such as the wildly popular Theatre Under the Stars, which puts on fantastic theatre performances each year. You can check their website for the upcoming shows but this is a summer event only as it’s outside.

Other events hosted in Stanley Park include the Summer Cinema Series held every Tuesday in July and August. This event is a huge outdoor cinema that shows classics and some new movies. There are also lots of fun runs and marathons that loop through the park on their route – although that’s typically not my thing.

If you’re visiting Vancouver in summer, then there’s likely an event on during your stay, and with Stanley Park’s natural beauty, there’s no better place to enjoy the fun.

13. Cool off in the Splash Park

This one’s for the kids or adults that never grew up (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) The Stanley Park water park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.

The water park is located close to other attractions in the park, like the train and Aquarium. It is a large water park with ample room for kids to run around and get soaking wet. The waterpark is unsupervised and has a grassy area with picnic tables nearby. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic and is free!

The spray pad is typically open every day from 10 am to 7 pm. It opens for the year at the beginning of June and closes for the season at the end of September.

14. Check out Brockton Point Lighthouse

The Brockton Point Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque spots in Stanley Park. While the current lighthouse was built in 1914, the story of it dates back to 1890. It is named after Francis Brockton, an engineer who surveyed the BC Coast and found coal near Vancouver in 1857-60. 

Today, the lighthouse is a beautiful spot to snap some photos and take in the views over the ocean, city, and north shore mountains. There are lots of benches here where you can rest and you might even see a seaplane take off from nearby!

This is a quick visit that can be done while biking the sea wall but if you want to drive there is also a parking lot here, but it does cost money to park.

Related Read: For more great views check out the best things to do on Granville Island!

15. Wander through the Stanley Park Rose Garden

The Stanley Park Rose Garden was established a whole century ago and has been delighting visitors with its 3,500 rose bushes ever since! The landscaping is beautiful and makes for a perfect place to take a stroll – especially on a honeymoon in Vancouver!

Interestingly enough, the fragrance that comes from roses differs depending on the type of rose, so quite literally don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!

The Rose Garden is located near the entrance of Stanley Park and is free to enter.

Besides the Rose Garden, there are a few other gardens to check out in Stanley Park. The Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden has over 4,500 plants around the Pitch & Putt golf course. There is also a Shakespeare Garden and Rock Garden! So spend some time just exploring and enjoying the variety of beautiful plants and flowers.

16. Play tennis

Another activity for the sporty people – tennis! The Stanley Park tennis courts are located at the park entrance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are 11 courts, so you shouldn’t have a problem getting a spot. If someone is waiting, there is a 30-minute time limit. If you prefer, you can also book six of the courts for up to two hours to ensure you have a spot. 

During the week from 9 am to 3 pm, half-hour fees are only $3.50 CAD with fees increasing to $5.50 CAD from 3 pm to close. On weekends, court fees are $6.50 CAD all day.

17. Take in views of the Lions Gate Bridge

There is no shortage of beautiful views in and around Stanley Park. But one of the absolute best views is out over the Lions Gate Bridge.

The Lions Gate Bridge is a suspension bridge that crosses the Burrard Inlet, connecting the cities of Vancouver and North Vancouver. The construction of this bridge was completed back in 1938 and the connection of lands opened up new opportunities for trade and development. The bridge played a vital role in the defense of the Pacific Coast during World War II, as it was heavily guarded against potential attacks.

The name reference “Lion” refers to the Lions, which are mountain peaks that the bridge is pointing towards. 

Prospect Point Park is probably one of the best spots to see the Lions Gate Bridge. You’ll love the sweeping panorama views that capture mountains, ocean, and city all in one!

Another cool thing about the bridge is that it also has a safe pedestrian walkway and bike path that gives you another chance to view it from a different point of view!

The Lions Gate Bridge is definitely one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks that you just have to take the time to see!

18. Hear the Nine O’Clock Gun

One of the most exciting things about Stanley Park is that a cannon fires every night at 9 pm. Believe it or not, it’s been fired every day for a century! The history of the Nine O’Clock Gun is pretty colorful (read about it here) and has endured a lot, including a kidnapping. 

The gun is located on the eastern section of the park that faces Coal Harbour. If you go by there at 9:00 pm, you will see a city employee go and set it off like clockwork every night. You can either watch it standing right there (bring some earplugs!) or across the water at Coal Harbour. 

19. Take a photo in Hollow Tree 

As you’re walking one of the many trails in Stanley Park (check out point #3), keep your eyes open for the Hollow Tree! This iconic landmark is located on the west side of Stanley Park Drive and is fascinating to see. It is a 700-800-year-old stump of a Western red cedar tree. It is huge and definitely the perfect photo op! 

There are so many old, beautiful trees in Stanley Park. Take your time to wander through the trails and marvel at their beauty!

20. Spot wildlife

While Stanley Park may be in the middle of the city, it is still a great spot to see some local wildlife. In fact, 500 species of animals are known to live in the park.

If you look carefully, you might see some bald eagles that nest in the park. In addition, bats, beavers, herons, harbor seals, squirrels, raccoons, and more animals all call Stanley Park home!

We always manage to spot turtles in the lagoons when we are there, the best place to check for them is sunbathing on logs!

Just make sure that you do not feed the wildlife but say hello from a distance. 

21. Go golfing at the Stanley Park Pitch and Putt

One fun way to spend an afternoon in Stanely Park is at the Pitch & Putt. This 18-hole course has sculpted fairways and beautiful surroundings. It’s a great spot to try out your swing if you are a beginner as the holes range from 40 to 100 yards.

This course is very affordable at just $15.87 CAD for 18 holes. Punch cards and monthly passes are also available if you want to go a few times.

22. Visit Siwash Rock

The Siwash Rock (Slhx̱i7lsh (Skalsh) is the name for the rock in Squamish) is another unique spot to see around the seawall if you are biking but there is also a spot where you can see it from above on the lookout. This rugged rock is easily recognizable as there is nothing like it in the surrounding area and you can see a tree sticking up from the top of the rock.

Originally the Siwash Rock used to be connected to Stanley Park but over years and years, the wear from the crashing waves created a division between the rock and the park.

On the contrary, legend according to the First Nations people believe that the rock represents a warrior who was turned to stone as a sacrifice to protect his child and their future.

Definitely another beautiful place inside Stanley Park and it would be even better for sunset!

Best Tours of Stanley Park

If you don’t want to stress about navigating Stanley Park on your own then I would suggest taking a guided tour of Stanley Park. Especially if you are limited on time or not the type of person who wants to spend the whole day here.

Not only do these tours efficiently hit a few of the key areas inside the park but they also combine other must-see areas and attractions in Vancouver. Here are a couple of my personal favorites:

Granville Island and Stanley Park

This tour option is a perfect way to see all of the main neighborhoods of Vancouver in around 3 and a half hours! The tour starts in Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, where you’ll learn some of the history from your guide.

Then, continue on to Chinatown which is actually home to the largest Chinese population outside of China, and make a stop to explore Grandville Island for an hour.

At last, your final stop of the day, Stanley Park! You will see the Brockton Point Totem Pole and learn about the First Nations people who used to live there and see Prospect Point Lookout and uncover this area’s significance in history while looking out at the ships that cross under the Lions Gate Bridge.

You can book this tour for just $79 CAD per person!

Vancouver Secrets of Stanley Park

This is the most affordable Stanley Park Tour and unlike the other tours mentioned on this list, it only focuses on Stanley Park and not any of the surrounding areas of Vancouver making it perfect if you really want to learn and see a lot of the park! However, keep in mind that it is a 2-hour walking tour so you will be standing for the entirety of the tour.

What is really great about this walking tour is that you will have a guide to explain the history of Deadman’s Island and the Whoi Whoi Village and see the park’s weirdest art installations and crime scenes. You’ll even be shown a couple of hidden trails and secret cemeteries that you wouldn’t find on your own. The tour conveniently begins and ends at the entrance and it only costs $38 CAD!

You can reserve your preferred date and time here.

Vancouver City Tour & Capilano Suspension Bridge

This city and Capilano Suspension Bridge tour is a fantastic way to see the best of Vancouver. A great laidback option via coach bus that doesn’t involve a lot of walking unless you want to explore more thoroughly at each stop. You will be driven through downtown Vancouver across Lions Gate Bridge and pass by Canada Place and Robson Street.

Then, instead of making a couple stops inside of Stanley Park as the Granville Island and Stanley Park Tour does, you will simply enjoy the scenery as you ride through the park before heading to your main stop of the day, the Capilano Suspension Bridge! Enjoy the thrill as you walk 70 meters (230 feet) above the river! Then back into the coach to the bustling Grandville Island for an hour where you can walk around the shops and grab a bite to each or a refreshment.

This tour can be booked for $144 CAD per adult and it lasts between 5 and 6 hours.

About Stanley Park, Vancouver

Where is Stanley Park located?

Stanley Park is located in Vancouver, BC, in the western section of the downtown peninsula. The park is surrounded by the ocean waters of Burrard Inlet and English Bay. Stanley Park can be accessed through downtown Vancouver’s West End neighborhood to the east and the Lions Gate Bridge (Highway 99) to the north, which takes you to North Vancouver. 

What is the best way to get to Stanley Park?

Although there are a few options, the best way to get to Stanely Park is by car or bicycle. Because of the park’s size, these options allow you to easily get to Stanley Park and then explore the different areas. A car is a popular option because of the amount of parking in Stanley Park but a bike gives you more freedom. You could also drive, park up and rent a bike/ bring your own.

Depending on where you are staying in Vancouver, you can most likely walk to the entrance of the park and rent a bike nearby. Areas such as West End, Coal Harbour, and even Gastown are close enough.

It is also possible to take public transit to Stanley Park, but no bus service goes throughout the park. Therefore, if you take the bus, you will need to walk or rent a bike when exploring Stanley Park.

Is there parking at Stanley Park?

Yes, there is parking all over Stanley Park. There are lots of smaller parking lots as well as several large parking lots throughout the park including one near Stanley Park Brewing and another large one at Third Beach. Parking is generally easy to find unless there is a large event.

All lots offer paid parking – current rates are $2.75 CAD/hour or $7.75 CAD/day during the winter (October 1 to March 30) and $3.75 CAD/hour or $14.25 CAD/day during the spring and summer (April 1 to September 30). There are also seasonal and annual parking passes.

You can read about more parking options here, but don’t worry there are lots!

Is Stanley Park worth visiting?

If you are visiting Vancouver, Stanley Park is worth going to! Not only is the size of the park (405 hectares/1,000 acres!) impressive, but there are a ton of fun things to do in Stanley Park. In addition, it’s a beautiful park with unparalleled views. Visiting Stanley Park is loved by locals and visitors alike and it’s easily one of the best things to do in Vancouver.

Does Stanley Park close? 

Stanley Park closes overnight and, like other parks in Vancouver, is open between 6 am to 10 pm unless otherwise posted. 

Is it free to go to Stanley Park?

Stanley Park is free to visit, although parking and some of the activities cost money. However, if you plan to simply walk, run, bike the seawall, or visit the beach, it is an entirely free activity in Vancouver! Therefore, this guide to things to do in Stanley Park will include the price of any activity that costs money.

How big is Stanley Park?

Stanley Park is 405 hectares (1,000 acres). It is the largest urban park in British Columbia, though not in Canada. It is actually larger than Central Park in New York, the most famous urban park in the world, arguably.

Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!

Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re here, be sure not to miss some of the top attractions and activities:

• Whale Watching – Without a doubt, the most popular boat tour in Vancouver is whale watching. Set off from the city on a half-day on the ocean looking for whales. If you’re lucky, you might even see Orcas (also known as Killer Whales.) This whale-watching tour is a ton of fun, and at only about $236 CAD it is good value too!

• Hiking – There are a ton of amazing hikes in and around Vancouver. Challenge yourself with the famous Grouse Grind, wander the trails near the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, or even drive towards Squamish and do The Chief.

• Ride in a Seaplane – One of our favorite memories in Vancouver was riding in a seaplane. Taking off and landing on the ocean is super exciting, and then the views from the air are breathtaking. This seaplane ride lasts for 20 minutes and costs $168 CAD. It departs and returns to Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver. The best part is that seaplane tours in Vancouver operate all year round, so even if you’re visiting Vancouver in the winter you can take to the sky!

• Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to make an effort to eat out a few times while in Vancouver. For breakfast, Jam Cafe or Medina are our go-to’s. For Asian cuisine, you can’t pass up Minami for sushi or Danbo for Ramen. You can also join this highly-rated food tour that takes you to some of the city’s best restaurants in the area of Gastown.

• Explore Kitsilano – One of our favorite areas in all of Vancouver is Kitsilano. This suburb is super trendy and has many cute stores, cafes, and restaurants that are well worth checking out. On top of that, Kitsilano Beach is one of the best beaches in Vancouver and the perfect place to relax. It’s also our favorite place to watch the sunset.

Where to Stay Near Stanley Park

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

For those wanting the perfect location halfway between Stanley Park and Gastown, the Hyatt Regency is a perfect choice. The floor-to-ceiling windows help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom. Conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Mosaic Bar and Grill off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed!

Prices can get as low as $400 CAD, but average around $650 CAD during the busy months. Check all the prices and book your stay on Booking.com!

Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:

Times Square Suites – $$

For a beautiful hotel close not much longer than a 5-minute walk to the beginning of Stanley Park you can’t go past the Times Square Hotel. It’s very hard to fault this hotel and the location is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms and the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer! For being affordable it has a lot of amenities.

Rooms are around $300 – $400 CAD and can be reserved on Booking.com.

English Bay Hotel – $

While this is not the prettiest hotel in Vancouver, The English Bay Hotel is clean, secure, and is in an awesome location! It’s just a few minutes away from English Bay Beach and Stanley Park and has all the basic amenities you need. It’s an excellent budget choice with prices starting at $120 CAD/night.

Check out all the options and book your stay on Booking.com.

Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!

For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!

Thanks for reading!

Stanley Park is pretty amazing. Not only is it a large park with beautiful views, but there are really endless things to do and see! I hope this list gave you some inspiration for your next trip to Vancouver and helped you see why Stanley Park is one of the city’s must-see spots.

We hope you found this blog helpful as you plan your travels! We have a ton of resources on Vancouver and all of Canada (as a Canadian myself, I’m somewhat of an expert!). Check out some of our favorite places to visit below:

13 BEST Stops on the Drive from Vancouver to Jasper

10 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Helicopter Tour in Vancouver

33 BEST Things to do on Vancouver Island